CLEVELAND — It took Ty Jerome 23 minutes to send another reminder that he has evolved into not only a positive influence on the bench, but a crucial one to the Cavaliers' hopes of achieving their lofty aspirations.
Jerome returned to the court in the Cavs' loss to the Sacramento Kings Sunday night after missing five games with a knee injury. The team had been hoping he could get some playing time before the playoffs started rather than heading into a series cold.
"Yeah, [it was just] tendonitis, just had to lot to calm down a little bit, let the swelling go down," Jerome said of the knee injury. "But I feel good."
If there was any rust to be shaken off, it was done instantly. If there was any doubt in how much of an impact Jerome can make within the Cavs' rotation, it was done in those 23 minutes Sunday night.
Jerome was arguably the best player on the floor for the Cavs, pouring in 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting to go with four rebounds, two assists and a steal. He put together that stat line in only 23 minutes — and had he been available for more, the Cavs might have pulled off the win and clinched the No. 1 seed in the East.
In his first action back, the Cavs had Jerome on a minutes restriction. They have to be careful this close to the playoffs, and Jerome has made himself invaluable. Cavs head coach
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